Carlos knew this was risky, but he couldn't deny his attraction to Miriam...though he would like her to reciprocate those feelings. He walked with Miriam to her car not sure how to keep the conversation going. Miriam was tired, but she wasn't stupid. She had her pepper spray ready to use if he tried anything. Plus, that taser she had in her purse. She opened the door and climbed inside to open his door. Once Carlos was in, Miriam cranked up the car and instantly Carlos heard music he's never heard of. They drove off in silence until Carlos decided to break the ice.

"What music is this?"

"Bossa Nova. I had to do some musical cleansing when I was with my cousin yesterday. You hate it?"

"No, it sounds nice. It makes me think of being on a tropical island. You really don't listen to any pop music, do you?"

"Wow, I thought Hollywood guys were dumb as hell...I was wrong. Look, as much as my cousin shoved your music down my throat...I will never get into it. Honestly, don't you want a friend who enjoys your music? I mean, I would be one shitty friend, since I consider your music as water torture."

"You really hate our music that much? Come on, you have to like at least one song." Carlos was going to list some tracks but saw Miriam glare at him. They turned a corner when Miriam stopped her car in front of a building.

"We're here. And please don't tell people you're from a pop band? Like anyone here would give a damn."

Carlos just let out a chuckle as they got out of her car and walked into the place. They were bombarded with the strong scent of coffee which instantly gave them a slight caffeine high. Carlos realized it was nothing like Starbucks. It was an authentic, non-commercialized coffee house. They had live music which was some other strange music he's never heard of. Carlos just realized, he was exposed to three different type of music genres in one night. Miriam just let out an annoyed sigh as she saw Carlos face fill with awe and amazement. The place had chairs, but Carlos could see a couple of couches in the place. It was yet another place where he felt out of place. He saw a woman with dirty-blonde dreadlocks coming near them.

"Miriam, haven't seen you in a minute. Have a seat."

"Who's that?"

"The owner of this joint." they sat a table. Miriam felt like she was at home. The atmosphere was that relaxing to her. Carlos, on the other hand, knew this is where the art crowd hung out. "You look uncomfortable. What? Expecting some peppy barista?" before Carlos could answer, the woman returned to the table.

"Hi, I'm assuming you're new. My name's Amy. Miriam, the usual?"

"Yeah."

"And what will you have..."

"Carlos."

"What will you have, Carlos?"

"Um...I think I'll have a caramel latte. Oh, could you make mine decaf?"

"Alright. Your orders coming right up." the woman left and Carlos sat looking around the place. He wasn't surprised that Miriam wasn't talking to him. She invited him for coffee and that was it. Though, he thought it would be boring to not talk to her.

"This place is really interesting. When did you find out about it? LA has tons of coffee places, but it's nothing like this..."

"I used to come here when I went to college. It's where I used to come here and think...well, I still come here."

"Cool, what did you study?"

"Gender Studies and Journalism."

"I always wondered what would've happened if I went to college. I played hockey real well in Minnesota. Maybe would've gotten a scholarship."

"You play hockey?"

"You like hockey?"

"Yeah, any sport where guys can beat the pure shit out of each other is okay with me."

"Okay, you haven't cursed at me nor have you made fun of me since we got here."

"Please, don't tell me you're one those sick masochistic freaks who like people to treat them like shit...if that's the case, you got the wrong girl..."

"No! It's not that at all. I mean, you seem to really hate my guts when we first met, then basically busting my chops at the bar."

"You caught me on a good night."

"This is a good night? Damn, what are you like on bad nights?"

"Do you really want to find out?" Carlos saw her stern face and decided not to press the issue any further. Their orders arrived and Carlos smiled as he saw his caramel latte topped with a mountain of whip cream and caramel syrup. He saw Amy placing Miriam's coffee order on the table. He noticed it had a smell of chocolate and something else he couldn't put his finger on.

"What did you order? It smells really good."

"It's chili mocha."

"Chili mocha? It has spices in it?"

"Sorry if I don't find the super-sugary caramel mocchiato with extra caramel appetizing..."

"First of all, I got a caramel latte. Second, it's decaf."

"The caramel isn't decaf."

"Fine. I know I'm going to get hit by saying this...do you mind if I try some of yours? I don't have cooties..."

"Yeah, but you might have herpes..."

"Ha-ha. I'm clean. Come on, not even a little bit?"

"Fine..." Miriam edged her drink closer to Carlos. He picked up the mug getting more of the spicy smell. Before he took a sip, he grabbed the spoon that was on the table and ladled some mocha on the spoon.

"Wow, this is really good. I have to try it next time."

"There isn't going to be a next time. This is a one time thing. Besides, don't you have to leave for the next town?"

"Actually, Big Time Rush is staying here for a few weeks to record our next album."

"Are you serious? I have to put up with your ass being in my city? That's bullshit."

"It's not your city. Chicago is big enough for the both of us short people. So, tell me more about yourself...since it's the only night I will see you." he sipped from his mug.

"Alright, I'll humor your ass. What do you want to know?"

" I see you like different types of music, what other things do you like? Movies, food, anything..."

"I like old silent films. I know people my age wouldn't care for them, but something about early film interests me. Also, I'm a sucker for foreign films. Don't get me wrong, I may look like an artsy bitch, but I love my gory action films. Kill Bill is my favorite."

"I love action films! See, we have more in common than you know."

"Whatever..."

Carlos and Miriam talked some more. She eased up on being mean to him, though she still gave him a hard time. In a way, though she would never admit to herself, Miriam was glad to get to know Carlos. He didn't seem like an arrogant, preening celebrity being entitled to what he wanted. If she wasn't so guarded, Miriam might even consider at least being acquaintances with him. Carlos even told her about his love for corndogs to which she relentlessly teased him. Though she couldn't deny she liked eating corndogs. He even asked more about the silent films. After Carlos offered to pay, they left the place. He knew he wanted to get to know her more once this outing was done. She was just too interesting to know get to know further.

"I can see why you get the chilli mocha. It's really good. I still can't believe you would not order decaf...you will be up all night."

"I have to figure out my bills and stuff, so I needed the caffeine. Is this where you live? Let me guess, the inside looks just as expensive as the outside..."

"Very funny." Carlos was about to get out of the car, but something was nagging him, telling him that he needed to ask her. "Miriam?"

"What?"

"I know it may seem like the only thing I want from you is to fuck you, but I really want to get to know you. I don't know why you interest me...you just do..."

"Carlos, as much as you say what your intentions are, I'm still skeptical of you. Maybe our paths will cross eventually...just not now. Are you cool with that?"

"Yeah, I'm cool with it. I guess should go. Thank you for the coffee. Bye, Short-stack." Carlos smiled.

"Hey, only Old Smokey can call me that!" Carlos let out a chuckle knowing he would miss hearing her snark. "Goodnight, Carlos. And good luck with your album that I won't buy." Carlos chuckled as Miriam's car sped off. He walked into the apartment noticing everyone was asleep. He slipped into his room thinking about Miriam.